Telethon 2023: TV stars all smiles as money fundraised reaches $25 million

The donations are pouring in on the final day of Telethon with more than $25 million already raised for sick children in WA.

As always, the event has been filled with laughter and plenty of unscripted moments from some of the nation’s favourite stars.

SAS Australia’s Ant Middleton has already had to take part in plenty of push-up challenges while Better Homes and Gardens icon Rob Palmer and TV star Tim Robards attempted a handstand party trick.

TikTok superstars Ben and Zara also took to the stage to do some epic dancing and lip syncing.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be here. We’ve met a lot of the families and the kids so whatever we can do to be a part of it we’re absolutely thrilled,” Ben said.

“I’m feeling great. I’m very excited to perform and be here,” Zara added.

It’s an important weekend for four-year-old Elsie Groom, who has been fighting leukaemia at Perth Children’s Hospital.

She was lucky enough to meet the Prime Minister, her favourite child entertainer Emma Memma, Morning Show host Kylie Gillies, and singing star Phil Burton.

Her mum Lea Fowler said Telethon had meant a lot to the family during a difficult cancer battle.

“It’s been a long year. We are actually from Geraldton but had to move down for care at PCH,” she said.

“My husband is still in Geraldton because we have a business up there so he works all week and comes down every weekend so it’s been tough.

“The Kids Cancer Support Group supports us so much on the ward with the help from Telethon that amazing charity helps us so much.”

Morning Show host Kylie Gillies said being a part of Telethon was pure magic.

“It’s so unique to witness it first hand and to play a teeny tiny miniscule part in it means the world,” she said.

“Unfortunately money makes the world go round and we need money to help these children so I am just blown away by the generosity of businesses in WA but also just the people who live here.”

SAS Australia’s Ant Middleton said his muscles were beginning to hurt after all the push-up challenges this weekend.

“My arms are dead and my chest is burning. Luckily, I’ve had no adults want to jump on my back yet, which is a positive thing,” he said.

“It’s my first Telethon so it’s been absolutely manic but it’s just a ball of positivity.

“It’s important that we bring our energy and we try and keep as positive as possible, ultimately, raising funds for these magnificent children.”